Enzo Maresca has revealed what he thinks Chelsea’s improvement in defence is down to ahead of Saturday’s game against Newcastle.
The Blues travel to St James’ Park looking for a first win at the famous ground since 2021, but know they face a tough task.
Chelsea sit six points ahead of Newcastle, and have won their last two games having gone four games without a win.
Enzo Maresca on Chelsea’s improvement in defence
The build up to the game has been dominated by Maresca’s future amid an internal issue at the club, and links to the Man City job.
However, Maresca put an end to any speculation as he confirmed he would be Chelsea manager next season, with those comments temporarily putting an end to any speculation over his future.
Chelsea head into Saturday’s game with eight clean sheets, the joint most in the league with Arsenal, and the Blues have made strides forward from a defensive standpoint.
Trevoh Chalobah celebrates his goal.
Chalobah and Fofana have formed a good partnership this season. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have formed a good partnership, which appears to be going from strength to strength.
Maresca was asked about Chelsea’s improvement defensively ahead of the trip and put it down to being able to pick the same players.
“Absolutely, it’s chemistry,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“When you spend time together, it’s always getting better and better.
“And for sure, when you are able to play the same one, they can be better and help each other, know each other.
“Sometimes even just with eye contact, they can make some decisions, so it’s very important.”
Positive injury update ahead of Aston Villa game
Chelsea were handed an injury boost ahead of next weekend’s game against Aston Villa with the news both Liam Delap and Estevao could be available.
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Liam Delap nurses his injured shoulder.
Enzo Maresca with a Man City logo.
Levi Colwill playing against PSG.
Delap has been out with a shoulder injury suffered in the goalless draw against Bournemouth, whilst Estevao missed the trip to Cardiff with a muscle injury.
The fact the pair could be available for the Villa game is massive, and will give Maresca two good quality options to use once again.